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Stephen Hawking tells Good Morning Britain he fears he is unwelcome in Trump’s America

Professor Stephen Hawking told Piers Morgan that he fears he is unwelcome in Donald Trump’s America, during an exclusive interview on Good Morning Britain this morning.

Speaking about the election of the right-wing businessman, Hawking said: “Trump was elected by people who felt disenfranchised by the governing elite in a revolt against globalisation.

“His priority will be to satisfy this electorate who are neither liberal, nor that well-informed. We have already seen this in the promise to build a wall along the Mexican border.”

Hawking feels like the reaction to Trump’s presidency was over the top, but is worried for what the change in leadership priorities might mean for the future of science. He also fears he will not be welcome in this new America.

He continued: “The reaction to the election of Donald Trump may have been overdone, but it represents a definite swing to a right-wing, more authoritarian approach. There was reported to be a memo that government scientists must get White House approval for any announcements. A similar ruling in Canada had a chilling effect on science there.

“Everyday life in the United States continues much the same. I have many friends and colleagues there, and it is still a place I like and admire in many ways. I would like to visit again, and to talk to other scientists. But I fear that I may not be welcome.”

Hawking’s recommendation was for Trump to replace Scott Pruitt at the Environment Protection Agency and change his mantra on climate change.

He told Morgan: “Climate change is one of the great dangers we face, and it’s one we can prevent. It affects America badly, so tackling it should win votes for his second term. God forbid.”